Food Manager and Food Handler Certification
The Houston Health Department's Food Manager and Food Handler Certificate classes prepare and certify individuals to become food service managers and handlers.
Food handler and manager online certification
Food establishment COVID-19 safety certification
Who is a food service manager?
A food service manager is a person who has demonstrated that he or she has the knowledge, skills and abilities required to protect the public from foodborne illness by means of successfully completing a certified food manager examination and becoming certified, according to Texas Administrative Code Rule §229.178
Who is a food handler?
Food handler — A food service employee who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces, according to Texas Food Establishment Rule §229.178
Classes and certification
- Online training: State of Texas accredited.
- Effective September 1, 2025 - The City will no longer conduct the in-person service manager's or handler's course
Upcoming Changes to Food Safety Regulations – Effective September 1, 2025
In accordance with Senate Bill 1008, the Houston Health Department will update all local food safety regulations to align fully with state and federal laws.
Effective September 1, 2025, the City of Houston will:
- Adopt the FDA Model Food Code and Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) by reference.
- Repeal the Houston Food Ordinance (Chapter 20 – Food and Drugs).
- And eliminate all duplicative or conflicting provisions in local law.
These updates will ensure consistency across jurisdictions, reduce regulatory confusion for operators and modernize our approach to food safety based on risk.
📅 Timeline and Next Steps
Summer - Fall 2025:
The Health Department will begin training staff, engage with industry stakeholders and provide outreach to food establishment operators.
September 1, 2025:
The new food safety framework goes into effect. All inspections and enforcement actions will reference the FDA Model Food Code and TFER.
Fall 2025 and beyond:
HHD will continue to offer technical assistance, provide updated inspection tools and evaluate implementation for ongoing improvements.
Stay tuned to this page for training materials, FAQs and upcoming webinars.
What This Means for Food Businesses
Most food operators in Houston will not experience major changes to their daily operations or compliance responsibilities. The Houston Food Ordinance has historically transcribed large portions of state and federal food safety rules.
The primary change is how violations are categorized: Retail Food Safety Inspections Violation Category Comparison Chart
We are moving from “critical” and “non-critical” violations to the FDA’s risk-based categories:
- Priority
- Priority Foundation
- Core
This change will help improve clarity, consistency and public health protection while aligning Houston with food safety systems used nationwide.
Food operators will still:
- Work with the same inspectors.
- Follow the same safety practices.
- And continue routine inspections and corrective actions.
The Houston Health Department is committed to a smooth transition with no disruption to your business operations.
Fee Structure Update – Effective September 1, 2025
As part of Senate Bill 1008, the Houston Health Department is aligning local food safety regulations and permit fees with those set by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This includes adopting the risk-based fee model and repealing all local permit categories not recognized by DSHS.
Starting September 1, 2025:
- All food permit fees must align with DSHS’s fee-based structure.
- Permit categories must match those recognized by DSHS. Houston may no longer issue permits for categories not included in state law (with exception for the FOG Generator permit).
- Local, employee-based fee calculations are no longer allowed.
What This Means for You
- Most businesses will see no change in permitting processes, only in the fee calculation.
- The new model promotes fairness by aligning costs with public health risk.
- Temporary permit holders benefit from a more affordable and flexible permit system.
Retail Food Safety Inspections Fee Structure Changes Document